07/20/2024
Under 10 minutes.
That's all it takes for a dog in this kind of heat and humidity to succumb to heat stroke.
~No ball chasing outside today.
~Pee and poo breaks only.
~Cancel your dog-walker (if they haven't called you to cancel already, or advised you they are only coming to let your dog out). Plus, be super kind to your dog walker...it's dangerous for them to be outside all day today as well.
~Even a dog that is wet and has been swimming can succumb to heat stroke if they're running around.
~Black/dark dogs and short-nosed dogs are more at risk.
~If you have no AC at home, do NOT walk your dog today.
~Do NOT wet the top of your dog's head in the sun. It magnifies the heat effect on the brain. Wet paws and underbelly instead.
~Remember that dogs don't sweat from their skin like we do. Only from the pads of their feet. If the ground is hot ( sidewalks etc) their ability to cool is vastly diminished.
~50% of dogs with heat stroke will not survive, even with medical intervention.
~Stay safe, and stay inside today. It could save your dog's life.
PS: keep your cats inside today too!